26 Union Labor Organizations and Workforce Development Partners Unite Behind Freedom Plaza, a Transformative Project that will Create 17,000 Local Construction and Permanent Jobs
Freedom Plaza will drive local economic growth through meaningful employment opportunities and a strong emphasis on local hiring, training, and community reinvestment.
NEW YORK, March 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Soloviev Group and Mohegan are proud to announce strong backing from a coalition of 26 New York labor organizations and workforce development partners for Freedom Plaza, the visionary new 6.3-acre civic and cultural plan for Manhattan's East Side. The labor and workforce development leaders are united in their support for the project that will create 17,000 high-quality full- and part-time union construction jobs and permanent positions, in addition to producing billions in economic impact that will promote financial vitality across the region.
Located from 38th to 41st Street east of First Avenue, Freedom Plaza will feature two residential towers with housing that working people can afford; 4.7 acres of accessible public green space; locally-oriented retail and dining; a daycare center; a museum dedicated to democracy and community center; and two world-class hotels, including the option of modern gaming for those 21-and-over.
"Freedom Plaza is committed to creating long-term, sustainable economic growth for New York City," said Michael Hershman, CEO of Soloviev Group. "We are proud to have the support of New York's labor unions and workforce development organizations, who share our vision for a prosperous, thriving community that benefits both workers and residents alike."
"Mohegan is dedicated to supporting our local communities, which is why we prioritize hiring locally and investing in comprehensive training programs. By creating opportunities for New Yorkers to grow within our organization, we're not just building a workforce–we're nurturing a long-lasting culture that puts people at the heart of everything we do," said Ray Pineault, CEO of Mohegan.
Memorandums of Understanding have already been signed with 26 key labor organizations and workforce development partners, including:
- The Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, representing more than 100,000 tradesmen and tradeswomen across New York City and includes local affiliates of 15 national and international unions
- SEIU 32BJ, the largest union of property service workers in the United States
- The Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, the union for hotel and casino workers in New York, representing nearly 40,000 non-managerial employees
- District Council 9of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, representing more than 11,000 members
- International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 30, representing over 5,000 engineers and mechanics that maintain the critical facilities our region depends on
"As the largest union of property service workers in the nation, SEIU 32BJ is thrilled to support Freedom Plaza, a project that will create meaningful good jobs with labor standards that our members have fought hard for. This development aligns with our efforts to improve the lives of workers and ensure that New Yorkers have access to good-paying jobs," said Manny Pastreich, President, SEIU 32BJ.
"The Hotel and Gaming Trades Council is excited to support Freedom Plaza, a development that will bring high-quality, permanent hospitality jobs to New York City. As the union for hotel and casino workers in New York, we know that this proposal will offer real opportunities for working people and strengthen the city's economy," said Rich Maroko, President, The Hotel and Gaming Trades Council.
"District Council 9 is proud to stand behind the Freedom Plaza project. With thousands of jobs for our members and a commitment to community development, this project is exactly the kind of investment New York's working families need. We're looking forward to being a part of its success," said Joseph Azzopardi, Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer, District Council 9.
"IUOE Local 30 is always focused on ensuring that our members have access to high-quality job opportunities that support their skills and expertise. We recognize the potential for significant employment in this project and appreciate the commitment to union labor. We look forward to seeing opportunities that will allow our members to contribute to New York's future while maintaining the high standards of our trade," said William Lynn, Business Manager & International Vice President, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 30.
In addition to job creation, Freedom Plaza's developers, Soloviev Group and Mohegan, are committed to using local vendors for hospitality-related goods and services, further benefiting the New York economy. This commitment aligns with the project's broader vision of fostering community and providing accessible opportunities for all New Yorkers.
About Soloviev Group
Unwavering in its commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility, the Soloviev Group brings four generations of successful development across community-focused verticals, including hospitality, residential and commercial development, agriculture, energy, logistics and philanthropy. The firm's most recent project, Freedom Plaza, will encompass more than six-acres on Manhattan's East Side from 38th to 41st Street east of First Avenue and is committed to helping New York City thrive. The mixed-use development will feature 4.7 acres of publicly accessible green space; two world-class hotels by global resort leaders Mohegan and Banyan Tree Group, featuring the option of modern gaming for those 21-and-over; locally oriented retail and an array of shopping and dining options; a museum dedicated to democracy and community center; and two residential towers with housing that working people can afford. For more information, visit freedomplaza.nyc.
About Mohegan
Mohegan is the owner, developer, and manager of premier entertainment resorts in the United States, Canada, and Northern Asia. Mohegan's U.S. operations include resorts in Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, Canadian operations are based in Niagara Falls, Ontario; and Mohegan INSPIRE is located in Incheon, South Korea. The brand's iGaming division, Mohegan Digital, provides cutting-edge online gaming solutions to Mohegan's loyal fan base and meets the digital needs of North American customers. Mohegan is owner and operator of Connecticut Sun, a professional basketball team in the WNBA. For more information on Mohegan and its properties, please visit mohegangaming.com.
Visual Assets
High-resolution rendering is available for download here. Credit Bucharest Studio
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